Theory of Counseling

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Theory of Counseling
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What is a theory?
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• A set of stated postulates or assumptions which
  must be related to each other and must be
  internally consistent
• A set of definitions of terms and/or concepts
  which are formulated on the basis of observation
  and experience

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Criteria of a good theory
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• Importance
• Preciseness and clarity
• Parsimony or simplicity
• Comprehensiveness
• Operational
• Empirical validity/verifiability
• Stimulating
• Useful

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Models of theory
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• Psychodynamic (unconscious)
• Humanistic (feeling)
• Cognitive (thinking)
• Behavioral (doing)

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Role of Research in Counseling
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• Research tells us that counselors may rely on a
  particular technique and convince themselves that
  it is a valuable component to successful therapy
• Tells us that the counselor and client should
  work on shaping the clients future rather than
  discussing the past
• Informs us on how to best treat presenting issues
• Aimed at advancing our knowledge base by
  determining cause and effect

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So What Works?The Four Common Factors
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• Extratherapeutic 40 This means that what
  happens outside counseling is more important than
  what happens in counseling. Try to help students
  to utilize outside assistance (use their
  resources)
• Relationship 30 The therapeutic alliance is
  critical.

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So What Works?
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• Placebo, hope, and/or expectancy 15 The
  students emotional involvement in the helping
  process is critical. Give students a reason to be
  hopeful.
• Structure, model, and/or technique 15 Which
  theory you use makes little difference in a
  successful outcome. Students come to counseling
  with their own theory tailor your helping to
  what they bring, not which theory you prefer.

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So What Works?Other Factors
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• High mastery and lower constraints lead to
  perceived well-being.
• The types of questions you ask is important. Be
  more reflective and less directive.
• Interactive feedback is better than direct
  feedback.